PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The next company slated to begin construction at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park announced Tuesday the project will no longer be coming to Pikeville. The announcement came less than three weeks after stating construction of the proposed battery manufacturing plant will be delayed approximately a year. John Thomas, who was recently named CEO of Enerblu, stated the decision was made after a major investor withdrew support, citing “unexpected geopolitical factors” as a reason. Thomas explained, “We are extremely disappointed with this potential investor’s decision, and are well aware of the hope that EnerBlu’s project has generated in Pikeville and the eastern Kentucky region.”
Pikeville City Manager, Philip Elswick issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, in response to the Enerblu announcement:
“The City of Pikeville is disappointed to learn that funding for the EnerBlu project was not
secured and that EnerBlu’s previously announced project in Pikeville is no longer viable.
Throughout the process of working with EnerBlu, our city officials and local economic
development authorities have given this partnership an abundance of attention for what we
know could have been a transformative project for our community. The City of Pikeville
remains committed to attracting high-paying jobs and tremendous corporate citizens to
utilize our top-notch industrial site. We know that Pikeville and its workforce have a bright
future and will continue to work with companies seeking a strong industrial park, economic
opportunities, and the skilled workforce that we offer.”
The original plan was for Enerblu to build a $300 million dollar battery manufacturing facility on approximately 400 acres at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park, and to provide more than 800 much needed jobs to the region. In Tuesday’s news release, however, the company didn’t completely rule out future plans for the region. Thomas said. “This is not the end; but a change in direction that we are confident will lead to a prosperous future for EnerBlu in Kentucky.”
EKB News is continuing to follow this developing story.
